Stories

As the Biden administration mulls a politically sensitive decision on whether to ban menthol cigarettes, another corner of the tobacco industry — cigar makers — is fighting to be left alone. The fate of a proposed ban on flavored cigars has been linked to a separate and closely scrutinized proposal to outlaw menthol cigarettes that's been under White House review for months. "My fear would be that if the Biden administration or any administration doesn't stick to the science," said Yolonda Richardson, CEO of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.

The use of e-cigarettes or vapes among high school students has significantly increased in the past five years, leading to concerns from health officials. E-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive, as well as flavorings and other additives. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that e-cigarettes are unsafe for young people, pregnant women, and their babies, just as smoking tobacco is. Vaping delivers nicotine through an aerosol that is inhaled. The CDC warns that nicotine exposure during adolescence can harm brain development and lead to addiction. Vape users also risk exposing themselves and bystanders to harmful chemicals.

According to the latest data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) report, younger Australians are experiencing higher levels of psychological distress and loneliness compared to older age groups. The data also reveals an increase in loneliness among young people over time, potentially linked to the use of smartphones and social media. Additionally, the report shows that psychological distress levels decline with age, with the youngest age group (15-24) reporting the highest levels.

The public is urged to refrain from purchasing illegal drugs due to the unknown substances they may contain, according to a statement from officials. The Welsh Emerging Drugs and Identification of Novel Substances service (Wedinos) has warned that people buying e-cigarettes laced with Spice may have thought they contained cannabis oils or liquids.

The Alliance for tobacco advertising ban is concerned about the implementation of a ban on tobacco advertising in Switzerland, which was approved by voters two years ago. They claim that parliament's proposed legislation violates the constitution by allowing exceptions, such as for the sponsorship of music festivals. The organization behind the initiative is putting pressure on parliament to ensure that the ban is implemented as originally intended. They argue that any advertising aimed at young people that could tempt them to consume tobacco should be banned.

Smoking is the country's number one preventable killer, and millions have been ditching cigarettes for vapes. But more than 6.6million Brits continue to puff on the deadly sticks each day, in spite of a review by Public Health England that estimated e-cigarettes are 95 per cent less harmful than tobacco cigarettes. Nevertheless, the battery-powered cigs, also known as vapes, have been booming in popularity and many have managed to kick the pernicious habit because of them. The very same 2015 review found that almost all of the 2.6m adults using vapes in Great Britain were current or ex-smokers.

The Tenth Conference of Parties (COP10) of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) did not reach a decision on regulating e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, despite increasing industry pressure. However, the conference did adopt a milestone decision on strengthening language around Article 18, which focuses on the protection of the environment in relation to tobacco cultivation and manufacture. The parties also agreed to strengthen Article 19, which holds the tobacco industry accountable for its impact on health and the environment.

International anti-smoking advocates have defended the Philippines against criticisms for its endorsement of state policies aimed at ending smoking in the country. The Philippines recently received a "Dirty Ashtray" award from the Global Alliance on Tobacco Control (GATC) for its support of tobacco harm reduction at a conference convened by the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Advocates argue that attacking the country for promoting life-saving alternatives to lethal cigarettes is authoritarian and moralistic.

Zyn, a brand of smokeless nicotine pouches, is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional cigarette smoking. It is sold in circular tins and contains anywhere from 1.5mg to 9mg of nicotine per pouch, making it a discreet and convenient method of nicotine consumption. Many users, like 21-year-old David Dobbs, turn to Zyn as a smoking cessation aid. The product does not require spitting, distinguishing it from other smokeless tobacco, and has a range of flavors. Zyn is part of Philip Morris International's vision to "deliver a smoke-free future" and is marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products.

A survey conducted by Siena College Research Institute found that New York officials are not effectively enforcing the ban on flavored vapes, leading to a thriving black market. 53% of residents believe that authorities are doing a fair or poor job, compared to 27% who view their efforts as good or excellent. The survey also revealed that only 39% of residents were aware that flavored vapes were outlawed. Despite this, 60% of New Yorkers support the ban on illegal flavored disposable vapes.